South Korea is famous for its BBQ and seafood, but did you know it is also becoming more plant-based friendly? Whether you are vegan, vegetarian, or simply trying to enjoy more plant-based meals while living or traveling in South Korea, this guide is here to help you navigate the local food scene with ease!

1️⃣ How to Say "I'm Vegetarian/Vegan" in Korean

When ordering food or asking about ingredients, clear communication is essential. Here is what you can say:

• I am vegetarian.
  👉 저는 채식주의자예요 (jeoneun chaesikjuuija-yeyo)

• I am vegan.
  👉 저는 비건이에요 (jeoneun bigeon-ieyo)

To explain your diet more specifically:

• I don’t eat meat, fish, seafood, eggs, cheese, or milk.
  👉 저는 고기, 생선, 해산물, 달걀, 치즈, 우유 안 먹어요.
  (jeoneun gogi, saengseon, haesanmul, dalgyal, chijeu, uyu an meogeoyo)

If you want to be extra clear:

• I only eat plant-based food.

  👉 저는 식물성 음식만 먹어요. (jeoneun sikmulseong eumsikman meogeoyo)

2️⃣ Korean Dishes You Can Enjoy

Surprisingly, many Korean dishes can be made vegan or vegetarian with a few tweaks! Check out:

• Bibimbap (비빔밥):
  Ask for no egg and no meat. Enjoy with gochujang (red pepper paste) and veggies!

• Kimchi (김치):
  Traditionally contains fish sauce, but vegan versions are common in vegan-friendly restaurants.

• Japchae (잡채):
  Stir-fried glass noodles with veggies. Request no meat or egg.

• Kimbap (김밥):
  Look for Yachae Kimbap (야채김밥) — veggie roll. Confirm no egg or ham.

• Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개):
  Soybean paste stew. Ask for no seafood or meat broth.

• Tteokbokki (떡볶이):
  Spicy rice cakes! Check if the broth is anchovy-free (some places use water-based broth).

• Kongguksu (콩국수):
  Cold soybean noodle soup. Naturally vegan!

3️⃣ Vegan-Friendly Options at Korean Convenience Stores

Yes! Even your local convenience store (편의점 - pyeonuijeom) has vegan options:

• Triangle Kimbap (삼각김밥): Look for 야채볶음 (stir-fried veggies) — check ingredients!

• Dried seaweed snacks (김)

• Sweet potatoes (군고구마) — available in some convenience stores!

• Instant noodles: Some vegan ramyun options like Shin Vegan are available.

• Soy milk (두유)

• Vegan protein bars

• Fresh fruit cups and salads

• Dried fruits and nuts

4️⃣ Vegan & Vegetarian Cafes in Korea

The vegan café scene is growing fast, especially in Seoul! Check out:

• Plant Café Seoul (Itaewon & Yeonnam):
  Famous for hearty vegan meals and cakes.

• LEEDORIM Coffee & Vegan Bakery Gyeongbokgung Cafe ( Gyeongbokgung):
  Cozy spot near Gyeongbokgung Palace offering vegan pastries, and coffee with plant-based milk.

• Thanks, Oat (Yeonnam & Anguk):
  Vegan brunch heaven with oat milk drinks and healthy bowls.

• Vegetus (Itaewon):
  All-day vegan dining with amazing burgers and desserts.

• OMUOMU (Yeonnam):
  Serving 100% plant-based treats. Known for their vegan croissants, fluffy breads, and seasonal desserts.

Many cafés in Korea also offer oat milk or soy milk as dairy alternatives — just ask!

• Do you have soy milk or oat milk?

  👉 두유나 오트 밀크 있어요?” (Duyuna oteu milkeu isseoyo)

5️⃣ Vegan & Vegetarian Restaurants

There are many vegan-friendly restaurants across Seoul. Some favorites:

• Loving Hut (Jongno, Gangnam and Sinchon):
  Affordable vegan Korean and Asian meals.

• The Bread Blue (Hongdae):
  100% vegan bakery!

• Osegyehyang (Insadong):
  Popular with tourists — vegan versions of classic Korean dishes.

• Vegan Kitchen (Myeongdong):
  Vegan Kitchen offers Korean favorites like vegan fried chicken, tofu stew, and flavorful bibimbap.

• Café Siva (Hapjeong):
  Known for its delicious vegan Italian fusion & Euro-Asian fusion food.

Bonus Tip: Explore Buddhist temple cuisine (사찰음식). Naturally vegan and packed with flavor!

6️⃣ Helpful Apps & Tips

• HappyCow: Your #1 app for vegan-friendly restaurants and cafes.

• Naver Maps: Search with “비건 (vegan)” or “채식 (vegetarian)” to find options.

• Join Vegan Korea Facebook Groups: Stay connected with the local community.

Pro tip: Always double-check broths and sauces, as many contain seafood or animal products even if the dish looks vegetarian/Vegan!

Final Thoughts

Living vegan or vegetarian in South Korea is easier than ever, you just need to know where to look! From hearty Korean stews to sweet vegan pastries, South Korea is full of plant-based surprises. And remember, at HaeTek, we are here to help you ship your favorite vegan finds to your home country, so you can enjoy a taste of Korea no matter where you are! 🚚💚